Renewable energy resources

Inverters are designed to prevent islanding but most hybrid inverters are fitted with an EPS teminal so you can use the power saved in your pbatteries during a power cut. (see in this glossary for an explanation of Islanding and EPS)

Emergency Power Supply A dedicated port on a hybrid inverter that alows the batteries to supply the home when there is a power cut. See the news article to understand 4 ways to use an EPS terminal

Buying and storing electricity when its cheap, then using the stored energy when prices are expensive

During a power cut some part of the grid is still supplied with electricity. Unintenional islanding by a solar system can be very dangerous during a power cut as the power from the inverter could electrocute the engineers trying to fix the problem

A battery energy storage system (BESS) lets you store energy from your solar panels or the grid. Use this stored power whenever you need it, handy during evenings or power cuts!

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar panels designed to blend into your building's architecture, replacing conventional materials with energy-generating ones.

An energy performance certificate (EPC) rates the energy efficiency of a building from A (excellent) to G (poor). It's required when buying, selling, or renting a property in the UK.

The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme paid homeowners for electricity generated from renewable sources. It's now closed for new applicants but still benefits those who signed up earlier.

A grid-connected system links your renewable energy setup directly to the national electricity grid, enabling you to export excess energy or draw from the grid when needed.

An inverter converts the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC), which powers your home. It's a key component of any solar energy system.

The MCS is a quality assurance scheme that certifies renewable energy products and installers in the UK, ensuring high standards and reliable systems for homeowners.

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid, reducing overall electricity bills.

An off-grid system operates independently of the national electricity grid, often relying on solar panels, batteries, and generators for power.

Peak sun hours refer to the average number of hours per day when sunlight intensity is strong enough to produce maximum solar power. It helps determine system size and output.

Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells. It's the core technology behind solar panels used in homes and businesses.

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a UK government scheme offering financial incentives to use renewable heating, such as solar water heating or biomass boilers.

Return on investment (ROI) measures the financial gain from your renewable energy system. It can be presented as a percentage or payback period, showing how quickly you recoup costs.

Solar battery storage systems store excess electricity generated by solar panels for use during periods when the sun isn't shining, increasing self-consumption and energy independence.

Solar irradiance is the power per unit area received from the sun's rays. It's an essential factor in calculating the potential energy output of solar panels.

A solar panel is composed of multiple photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. It's a common way to harness solar power for homes and businesses.

Solar thermal technology uses sunlight to generate heat, often for water heating systems in homes. It's an efficient way to reduce reliance on traditional heating methods.